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donderdag 5 april 2012

There is a casting change on the NBC White House family comedy pilot 1600 Penn following the project’s table read yesterday. The role of the President’s eldest daughter Becca is being recast with Martha MacIsaac (Greek). Brittany Snow was originally tapped for the role. The producers opted to make a creative change with a younger and darker-looking Becca after the table read as the original character and Snow appeared not to mesh well with the rest of the family, including in physical resemblance with the other siblings. Coincidentally, MacIsaac also played a character named Becca in Superbad.

Co-created by Josh Gad, Jason Winer and Jon Lovett and directed by Winer, 1600 Penn is a dysfunctional family comedy set at the White House, where the president’s (Bill Pullman) out-of-control oldest son (Gad) returns home and becomes not only the family’s biggest liability but also the glue holding everyone together. The pilot also co-stars Amara Miller as the younger daughter and Jenna Elfman as the First Lady and the kids’ stepmother. Snow just wrapped the feature Pitch Perfect. MacIsaac is with APA.

Chris Coelen’s Kinetic Content has picked up the U.S. rights to the hit Australian reality format My Kitchen Rules. The deal was made at MIP-TV, which is wrapping in Cannes. MKR is now in its third season on Australia’s Seven network, consistently averaging over 40% audience share, with MKR episodes ranking as 11 of the country’s top 20 highest-rated TV broadcasts in 2012, outperforming local versions of The X Factor and Dancing With The Stars.

Billed as the ultimate home cooking battle, MKR features teams trying to out-dine and out-wine each other. Each team takes turns to transform an ordinary home into an instant restaurant for one pressure-cooker night, serving up a three-course menu designed to impress not only their fellow contestants but a panel of judges. “Very rarely does a new format so quickly rocket to and sustain such massive success, and My Kitchen Rules has taken Australia by storm,” Coelen said. “It is a universal format that we believe will be embraced in the U.S.” Kinetic’s NBC series Betty White’s Off Their Rockers premieres tonight

Briga Heelan, who is recurring on the ABC comedy series Cougar Town, has been cast in a new half-hour project for the network, pilot Counter Culture. The multi-camera pilot, produced by Sony TV, revolves around three sisters, Joyce (Margo Martindale), Nonie (Delta Burke) and Billie (Kerri Kenney), running their family diner together in West Texas. Heelan, repped by Gersh and Stein Entertainment, will play Jill, Tate’s (Ike Barinholtz) very attractive and sweet wife who is simple (but in no way stupid), likes crafts and is often at odds with her mother-in-law, Joyce. Heelan was cast as a guest star in the pilot with a series regular option if it’s picked up.

Lisa Vidal (The Event) is set to co-star opposite Gabrielle Union in BET’s hourlong pilot Being Mary Jane (form. Single Black Female). Written by The Game creator Mara Brock Akil and to be directed by Salim Akil, Being Mary Jane centers on successful talk show host Mary Jane Paul (Union) looking to one day become the No.1 nightly news anchor while searching for Mr. Right. Vidal, repped by the Kohner Agency and Intellectual Artists, will play Kara, the lead producer for Mary Jane’s show and Mary Jane’s friend.

Mel B's promotional shots for Dancing with the Stars were airbrushed, it has been revealed.

The images of the new presenter of the Australian version of the reality television show, which show her wearing a floor-length red gown and standing next to co-host Daniel MacPherson, were digitally enhanced.

A Seven spokeswoman told The Daily Telegraph that Mel B's "skin tone was touched up" in the photo.

She also revealed that they "did a bit of work on the neckline of the dress to make it a bit more G-rated", adding that the star's breasts "were quite out-there before".

The spokesperson however denied that Mel B's figure was retouched, saying: "Nothing whatsoever was done to her thighs."

She added that the 36-year-old former Spice Girl did not ask to see the pictures for approval, saying: "As a matter of fact, she was not very demanding about photo approval."

Mel B recently shed 15kg with the help of weight loss company Jenny Craig. She decided to become an ambassador for the brand after gaining a lot of weight before giving birth to daughter Madison seven months ago.

The lineup for this year's Dancing with the Stars includes celebrities such as DJ Vogue Williams, sports star Brendan Fevola, musician Danielle Spencer and former breakfast TV star Kerri-Anne Kennerley.

ESPN will televise four NFL games as part of its 2012 Monday Night Football preseason schedule. Play-by-play commentator Mike Tirico and analyst Jon Gruden will call every game in anticipation of ESPN's MNF regular-season opener on Monday, Sept. 10. All MNF preseason games will begin at 8 p.m. ET.

The season kicks off Thursday, August 9, when Aaron Rodgers and the NFC North champion Green Bay Packers travel to San Diego to face Philip Rivers and the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.

The ESPN crew then heads up the California coast four days later to the Bay Area when Carson Palmer and the Oakland Raiders host Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Aug. 13. The game will be a homecoming for Gruden, who served as head coach of the Raiders from 1998-2001.

On Monday, Aug. 20, Tom Brady and the AFC champion New England Patriots host Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.

ESPN will conclude its preseason schedule when Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals face Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans at LP Field in Nashville on Thursday, August 23.

ESPN Deportes, ESPN's 24-hour Spanish-language domestic sports network, will once again offer a Spanish-language production of MNF preseason and regular season games in 2012.

The 2012 ESPN MNF regular season schedule is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Conservative MP Philip Davies has hit out at The Voice UK and the BBC, describing the show as "a very expensive advert" for music label Universal.

The rights to the Saturday night music series were purchased by the BBC for a large investment, rumoured to be over £20 million. The winner of the talent search lands a deal with Universal and three of the show's star coaches are also signed to the record company.

Davies, who is MP for Shipley, West Yorkshire, told the Daily Star: "The BBC has paid a fortune for The Voice. This now looks to be a very expensive advert for the record company, which not only gets a heavily-promoted winner but also a boost for its existing artists.

"The BBC appears to be using this format as a spoiler to sabotage ITV's success with Britain's Got Talent. I don't think this is what the BBC should be doing."

Danny O'Donoghue, who is one of the coaches, is signed to Universal's rivals Sony and has experienced the biggest sales boom since the show launched two weeks ago.

will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and Jessie J are all signed to various branches of Universal.

In a statement, the BBC said: "In casting the coaches we spoke to the biggest stars in the music industry regardless of the labels they were attached to. Two of three major labels are represented on the panel and throughout the series other labels will continue to be represented."

Though NBC's "The Voice" and ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" both felt ratings declines last night, they both pushed their respective networks to a ratings tie for first place Tuesday night, with ABC taking the edge in total viewership, according to preliminary numbers.

ABC tied for first in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and grabbed the total viewership crown with an average 2.2 rating/6 share in the demo and 11.9 million total viewers. A truncated version of Monday's "Dancing With the Stars" at 8 posted a 1.8/6 in the demo with 9.5 million total viewers, while the "Dancing" results show the following hour dropped 13 percent in the demo from last week's season premiere, drawing a 2.7/7, with 15.4 million total viewers, making it the most-watched show of the night. At 10, "Body of Proof" performed flat with last week, taking a 2.0/5 in the demo and 10.8 million total viewers.

NBC shared first place in the demo and took third place in total viewers with an average 2.2/6 and 6.3 million. "The Biggest Loser" at 8 performed flat with last week in the demo, receiving a 2.0/6 with 6.3 million total viewers. "The Voice" results show the following hour slipped 22 percent from Monday's performance show, posting a 3.2/8 in the demo with 8.4 million total viewers. At 10, "Fashion Star" held steady versus last week, receiving a 1.5/4 in the demo and 4.1 million total viewers.

Fox came in third in the demo and fifth in total viewers with an average 1.6/5 and 3.6 million. "Raising Hope" at 8 inched up from last week for a 1.6/5 in the demo and 3.9 million total viewers. Following a "Raising Hope" repeat at 8:30, "New Girl" dipped 12 percent in the demo for a 2.3/6 and 4.6 million total viewers. "Breaking In" at 9:30 dropped slightly, receiving a 1.3/3 in the demo and 2.7 million total viewers.

Univision came in fourth in the demo and total viewers with an average 1.6/4 and 3.7 million. "Una Familia Con Suerte" at 8 drew a 1.5/5 in the demo and 3.6 million total viewers, while "Abismo de Pasion" the following hour posted a 1.6/4 in the demo and 3.8 million total viewers. "La Que No Podia Amar" at 10 also drew a 1.6/4 in the demo, with 3.7 million total viewers.

CBS, which ran repeats throughout the night, came in fifth in the demo and second in total viewers with an average 1.5/4 and 9 million.

Travel Channel Greenlights Additional Episodes of Two New Original Series Premiering in April: "Hotel Impossible" and "Baggage Battles"

The newcomers roll out Monday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 11, respectively, at 10:00/9:00c.

Five Additional Episodes for "Hotel Impossible"; Six Additional Episodes for "Baggage Battles"

CHEVY CHASE, MD (April 4, 2012) - Travel Channel today announced plans to order additional episodes of two of the network's new original series, a week prior to their scheduled debuts. Five additional episodes of "Hotel Impossible" will be produced to bring the first season to a total of 13 one-hour episodes, and six additional episodes of "Baggage Battles" will bring the season to a total of 12 half-hour episodes.

"Hotel Impossible," set to launch Monday, April 9 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT, introduces Anthony Melchiorri as the "hotel fixer." Each episode features a property that hasn't lived up to its potential. Melchiorri secretly scouts the destination and identifies its biggest problems. After coming up with a plan of attack and prescribing changes that need to be made, Melchiorri revamps and energizes the staff and transforms the hotel. Whether he is demonstrating the proper way to pour a glass of wine or gutting and redecorating a lobby, Melchiorri knows how to turn an underperforming enterprise into a bustling tourist destination. Some of the hotels that will benefit from Melchiorri's magic touch include Fiddler's Inn in Nashville, TN and Southern Oaks Inn in Branson, MO.

"Baggage Battles," which premieres on Wednesday, April 11 at 10:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., ET/PT with back-to-back episodes, follows three teams of savvy "auction specialists" who travel to some of the most important and unknown auctions where their bids are based on sight-unseen instincts. In the six additional episodes, the series expands to not only include airport auctions, but unclaimed freight and shipping auctions and police and seizure auctions. Viewers will have the opportunity to see the auction experts bid on items lost in transit or confiscated by the police from airports around the world. The additional locations include New York, Scotland and Vancouver.

"Travel Channel is committed to being the pre-eminent travel brand in the media landscape," said Andy Singer, General Manager, Travel Channel. "'Hotel Impossible' and 'Baggage Battles' are clear examples of the network's goal of providing entertaining travel-centric programming through a unique perspective as it pulls away the curtain and reveals another side of the travel industry never before revealed in this format to audiences."

The judges from Australia's Got Talent have revealed that there are some "amazing" contestants this year.

Dannii Minogue, Kyle Sandilands and Brian McFadden, who make up the panel on the reality TV series, said that they are impressed by aspiring entertainers every year.

Last year's Australia's Got Talent was won by 14-year-old singer Jack Vidgen. In 2010, dance troupe Justice Crew took the crown, while opera singer Mark Vincent won in the show's first year. All three judges admitted that they are surprised that the talent keeps on coming.

Minogue told TV Tonight: "Just when we think we've seen it all, something or someone comes out of nowhere and does a truly amazing performance. A star walks on the stage and wows us.

"When the whole audience just floats to their feet after a performance and the rest of the stage seems to melt away, you know you have just witnessed the birth of a star."

Sandilands added: "The talent is, as always, diverse. What's different this year is that some of the acts we have previously said no to are back after going away and re-working their performance.

"Of course some are still terrible - which, of course a part of me loves - but some have taken our comments on board and have worked harder to transform their idea and [them]selves into a proper act. I think the people at home will be blown away by the weird things that Australians can do!"

McFadden said that he believes "that this year is the best talent we have ever had".

He added: "We've got everything from amazing guitarists, world-class bands, phenomenal dance troupes and acrobatics - and just to keep us on track, some jelly wrestling midgets who take Kyle on for good measure!"

Australia's Got Talent premieres on Monday, April 16 at 7.30pm on the Seven Network.

Bravo can has LOLcats: The network has greenlit 11 new shows, including one that looks at the inner workings of icanhascheezburger.com, the online humor site known for LOL, cat and FAIL memes.

Bravo's new shows include "Life After Top Chef," which will follow former "cheftestants," and two "Real Housewives" spinoffs. One, tentatively titled "SUR," documents “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Vanderpump's attempt to open a restaurant and lounge. The other, "The Kandi Factory," features "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kandi Burruss working with aspiring pop singers.

The network announced the new shows as it unveiled its slate for advertisers Wednesday.

Bravo is also bringing back eight unscripted series and has two new scripted projects in development that will premiere in 2013.

The show about the LOLcats proprieters, tentatively titled “Huh?,” follows Ben Huh and his staff at icanhascheezburger.com. LOLcats, for those without the blessing of the Internet, are those felines who appear in amusing images accompanied by an often misspelled and ungrammatical caption, such as the most famous one: "I Can Has Cheezeburger?"

Cheeseburger, which owns the network of sites including the flagship icanhascheezeburger.com, earns more than 375 million monthly page views.

Bravo also announced that it also added more than 155 new advertisers and 25 new online advertisers last year, and posted double digit growth in national and digital ad revenue.

Here are its new series, as described by the network:

NEW SERIES GREENLIGHTS:

“Silicon Valley” (working title)

Produced by Den of Thieves with Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager serving as Executive Producers along with Randi Zuckerberg as Executive Producer.

Teaming up with internet entrepreneur Randi Zuckerberg, Bravo captures the intertwining lives of young professionals on the path to becoming Silicon Valley’s next great success stories.

For the first time cameras are taken outside of the “Top Chef” kitchen and into the lives of Bravo’s most beloved former cheftestants as they reach milestones in their personal lives and culinary careers. From opening their own restaurants to expanding their growing franchises, viewers will follow Jen Carroll in Philadelphia, Richard Blais in Atlanta, Fabio Viviani in Los Angeles and Spike Mendelsohn in DC.

“Below Deck” (working title)

Produced by 51 Minds with Mark Cronin and Courtland Cox serving as Executive Producers.

The upstairs and downstairs worlds collide when this young and single crew of "yachties" live, love and work together onboard a luxurious mega yacht while tending to the ever-changing needs of their wealthy, demanding charter guests.

“Huh?” (working title)

Produced by RelativityREAL with Tom Forman, Jay Blumenfield, and Tony Marsh serving as Executive Producers.

Ever wonder who is behind those hilarious cat memes? Bravo goes inside the office of Ben Huh and his eclectic staff at icanhascheezburger.com, one of the largest humor publishers on the Internet known for their popular LOLs and FAILs.

Best known as one of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Lisa Vanderpump opens the salacious kitchen doors of her exclusive Hollywood restaurant and lounge, SUR. Declaring it the sexiest establishment she’s ever owned and “the place you take your mistress,” Lisa rules over her lively and mischievous staff with a platinum fist.

These single relationship experts can’t seem to practice what they preach as Amy Laurent in New York, Emily Morse in San Francisco and Julia Allison in Los Angeles struggle to stay afloat in the deep end of the dating pool.

“Newlyweds: The First Year” (working title)

Produced by Monkey Kingdom with Will Macdonald, David Granger and Lauren Lazin serving as Executive Producers.

From the moment they say “I do” to their one-year anniversary, cameras capture diverse couples across the coasts experiencing the trials and tribulations of their first year of marriage.

“Gallery Girls” (working title)

Produced by Magical Elves with Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz serving as Executive Producers along with Alexandra Lipsitz and Kris Lindquist as Co-Executive Producers.

Viewers are introduced to seven young women who dream of living a chic and fashionable existence in New York City. Chantal Chadwick, Kerri Lisa, Liz Margulies, Claudia Martinez, Angela Pham, Amy Poliakoff and Maggie Schaffer all share a passion for art, but are divided amongst their Manhattan and Brooklyn lifestyles with vastly different attitudes and tastes towards fashion, art and men.

“LA Shrinks” (working title)

Produced by Intuitive Entertainment with Kevin Dill and Mechelle Collins serving as Executive Producers along with Elise Duran as Co-Executive Producer.

It takes one to treat one! The professional and personal lives of dynamic experts are exposed as they counsel a wide array of clients at some of the top private practices in Los Angeles.

Driven by the success of the special that aired in March, Bravo has greenlit season one of “The Kandi Factory,” starring multi-platinum songwriter and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s” Kandi Burruss. Protégés with no music industry experience are given the opportunity to work with Burruss’ team of experts in Atlanta to master the key elements that will turn them into a pop star.

NEW SCRIPTED DEVELOPMENT:

“22 Birthdays” (working title) focuses on the sordid and scandalous activities of a group of parents at an exclusive private school, with each episode centered around an extravagant and lavish birthday party. The project comes to Bravo from UCP Studios, writers and executive producers Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein and executive producers Doug Liman and Dave Bartis from Hypnotic.

“Blowing Sunshine” (working title) is set at a fictional private rehabilitation center and follows its staff and high profile patients. The project comes to Bravo from writer and executive producer Jason Ning (Perception, 90210, Burn Notice).

RETURNING SERIES:

Bravo’s fan favorite series and memorable characters return as the network confirmed new season orders for “Flipping Out” season six, “Tabatha Takes Over” season five and Million Dollar Decorators” season two will be back with LA designers Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Kathryn Ireland, Jeffrey Alan Marks and Mary McDonald. Celebrity chef Curtis Stone returns this summer to host “Top Chef Masters” season four and real estate magnets Madison Hildebrand, Josh Altman and Josh Flagg are back for “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles” season five. Additionally, Bravo greenlit second seasons for “Chef Roblé & Co.” and “Pregnant in Heels,” which will premiere on Tuesday, May 15 at 10pm ET/PT. The Emmy nominated series, “Inside The Actors Studio,” continues its 18th season with the cast and co-creator of Glee, premiering on Monday, April 9th at 8pm ET/PT. Later this year, host James Lipton will welcome the cast and creator of “Mad Men” and also celebrate the show’s milestone 250th episode as he unveils the best moments from all 287 past guests.

The BBC has given comedy duo Lorna Watson and Ingrid Oliver a second series of their sketch show.

BBC Two's Watson & Oliver, which ended its first run last Monday, have become UK TV's first female comic double act since Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders launched in 1987.

The British Comedy Guide understands that Watson & Oliver will return in late 2013

Broadcast in front of a live studio audience, the first series - which guest starred John Barrowman - achieved ratings of over 1.5m when both Monday and Wednesday airings are combined, and performed particularly well on BBC iPlayer.

Former Home and Away star Esther Anderson has asked her mother to be her date for the upcoming Logie Awards.

The Australian actress, who has been nominated for the prestigious Gold Logie Award at the annual ceremony, is believed to have snubbed rumoured boyfriend and Geelong captain Joel Selwood in favour of her mum Rhonda.

Anderson told the Herald Sun: "It was early in the morning and I said 'Mum, will you be my date for the Logies?'"

The star said that she invited her dad to go to the Logies with her two years ago, adding: "Last time it was such a hard decision but it's Mum's turn and I'm so excited to share such a special night with my family."

Selwood's Australian Football League team the Cats are scheduled to play the twilight game against North Melbourne on the same night as the Logies.

Anderson also revealed that she will be wearing an Alex Perry gown to the event, saying: "Alex is making me something - I had so much fun wearing his dress last time. I knew along the lines of what colour and style I wanted."

Other stars up against Anderson for the Gold Logie include breakfast television host Karl Stefanovic, The Project's Carrie Bickmore, comedian Adam Hills, Offspring actress Asher Keddie and radio funnyman Hamish Blake, who is nominated for his Nine Network show Hamish & Andy's Gap Year.

Oxygen's Season Two of "The Glee Project" to Send Another Star to the Hit Series "Glee"

Season two will air on Oxygen this summer with additional themes, all new music and more episodes.

On the heels of a record-breaking and award-winning first season, Oxygen reveals 14 extraordinarily talented contenders for a second season of "The Glee Project." Their dream grand prize: a guest starring role on the hit FOX series "Glee." Season one of the critically-lauded "The Glee Project" electrified Gleeks all over the world and saw its winners, Damian McGinty and Samuel Larsen, each land seven-episode arcs on the hit series "Glee," with two of the final four contenders, Lindsay Pearce and Alex Newell, both earning two-episode arcs as runners-up. Season two of "The Glee Project" will air on Oxygen this summer with additional themes, all new music and more episodes.

Rod Aissa, SVP, Original Programming and Development, Oxygen Media said: "'The Glee Project' is a very special show that in its premiere season won over fans and critics alike. We've uncovered the best and brightest young talent on air coupled with an unmatched production team, led internally by our Head of Development Cori Abraham; and we're so excited for season two." Aissa added, "This new group of remarkable young men and women are going to ignite the conversation around this remarkable show. We think our viewers will agree they are one of the most unique and diverse cast of performers on television."

Season two of "The Glee Project" will return with Ryan Murphy and Dante Di Loreto continuing as executive producers, along with series executive producers Michael Davies and Shauna Minoprio of Embassy Row. During the eleven week run of the series, "The Glee Project" contenders will be narrowed down through intensive rounds of workshops, singing, dancing and acting-based assignments as the creative forces of "Glee" carefully assess who has what it takes to be one of the next new faces of the award-winning show. Murphy will once again join casting director Robert Ulrich and choreographer and "Glee" co-producer Zach Woodlee in the final deliberations of each installment of the series. Vocal coach Nikki Anders, who mentored the contenders on-air in season one, joins the judging panel in season two each week as a permanent member. Additionally, continuing with the format of season one, "Glee" series regulars will appear on "The Glee Project" as guest mentors, including Lea Michele ("Rachel Berry") in the show's premiere episode.

Open casting calls for season two took place in Chicago, Nashville and New York, in addition to a competitive online search. The final 14 contenders hail from all over the country and come from widely differing backgrounds. They all have one thing in common - their love of performing and their desire to win the prize of a lifetime!

"I've had the immense pleasure of auditioning so many unique and gifted singers, actors and dancers from all over the country" said casting director Robert Ulrich. "Ultimately, 14 out of thousands were chosen, and I'm so proud of this group of stellar young men and women."

Fans can "Like" The Glee Project on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thegleeproject, follow @TheGleeProject on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/thegleeproject) and join the conversation using #TheGleeProject, and follow The Glee Project on Tumblr at http://thegleeproject.tumblr.com.

Meet the contenders:

The Girls

Dani Age: 23 Hometown: Orlando, FL Dani has been performing since she completed her very first talent competition in fifth grade and won second place. At age 16, after attending a theatre magnet program in High School, she started teaching herself how to play the guitar and write original songs, and has since written and independently released four albums and two singles. Dani made it on to the Top 48 of "America's Got Talent" season six last year (2011), and gained a devoted following of online fans from doing so. She loves to mix up her acts with bits of comedy, rap, and audience participation. With such an independent attitude, Dani has expressed that she would want to play an androgynous female who bravely walks away from her Mormon upbringing if she ever got the opportunity to be on "Glee." Dani originally auditioned for "The Glee Project" at the Nashville open casting call.

Nellie Age: 19 Hometown: Tacoma, WA Nellie has been performing for eight years and is a vocalist for a local swing band - the youngest member by 20 years. Aside from singing, she also plays piano and guitar, and she writes her own original songs. She works as a barista and her favorite performance space is in a small, cozy coffee shop. Nellie has a strong love for the arts, especially photography, and can often be seen at photo shoots on her weekends off. Nellie was discovered for "The Glee Project" through an online video submission.

Aylin Age: 19 Hometown: Chicago, IL Aylin has been an active singer for the past 10 years. She started the first female a cappella group at Loyola Academy, and is now currently a student at Roosevelt University majoring in vocal jazz performance at their music conservatory. Aylin comes from a very traditional Turkish family and, being Muslim, she has had trouble balancing who she is with who her family expects her to be. She constantly pushes those cultural boundaries in her life and music. Aylin originally auditioned for "The Glee Project" at the Chicago open casting call.

Ali Age: 24 Hometown: New York, NY Ali has been a New York City actress and singer for more than three quarters of her life. She is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, concentration in drama. Ali is paralyzed from the chest down, and has used a wheelchair since she was two-years-old. She strives to inspire other people with disabilities who want to pursue a career in performance to follow their dreams. Ali originally auditioned for "The Glee Project" at the New York City open casting call.

Lily Mae Age: 18 Hometown: Cape Cod, MA Lily Mae comes from a very musical family. She has been singing all her life and involved with musical theatre for the past six years. Despite her lack of class attendance, Lily Mae was highly involved in extracurricular activities in high school. She is currently enrolled as a student at the Westminster Choir College. Even though she has performed for over 2,500 people at the Symphony Hall in Boston, Lily Mae still finds it challenging to convince people that as a full-figured woman, she can be any shows leading lady. Lily Mae originally auditioned for "The Glee Project" online and at the New York City open casting call.

Shanna Age: 21 Hometown: Auburn, AL Shanna has been involved in the music scene for 17 years. She is an experienced tuba and trombone player, and has recently recovered from a vocal fold surgery. Determined to break free of the stereotypes surrounding her in high school, Shanna became involved in sports such as swimming, softball and basketball and also made time for show choir, band, color guard, beta club and Spanish club. She is currently a student at Auburn University. Shanna originally auditioned for "The Glee Project" online and at the Nashville open casting call.

Taryn Age: 22 Hometown: Detroit, MI Taryn has been performing for over 12 years, but prior to her audition for "The Glee Project," she had never performed live for a casting panel. Also new to the traveling world, Taryn had never traveled on an airplane until her trip to Los Angeles for her audition. She is a trained aerialist who also enjoys hobbies such as cooking and painting. Taryn was discovered for "The Glee Project" through an online video submission.

The Boys

Tyler Age: 21 Hometown: Boca Raton, FL Tyler has an ear for music. He has been performing for 11 years, and is passionate about picking up and learning to play different instruments like the ukulele, for one. Tyler is very independent in his lifestyle and ambitions. When he was 18 months old he taught himself how to read by sleeping with maps and the TV guide in his crib. Currently he is a student at Vanderbilt University. Tyler is half black, half white, Jewish and transgender. He uses Lady Gaga as a constant inspiration in his music. Tyler originally auditioned for "The Glee Project" at the Nashville open casting call.

Michael Age: 18 Hometown: Chicago, IL Although he is the youngest of all "The Glee Project" season two contenders, Michael does not lack in experience. He has been performing for over eight years and is already a member of a professional blues band. Michael was a Paul Green School of Rock Chicago All Star, has performed at the House of Blues in Chicago and has already traveled half way around the world to perform in Tokyo. Aside from his love of music, he has a passion for calculus and thinks it is a fantastic subject of study and thoroughly enjoys spending time in the kitchen. Michael was discovered through industry channels to audition for "The Glee Project."

Maxfield Age: 22 Hometown: Nashville, TN Maxfield is a country singer/songwriter who is new to the stage since finding his voice last summer. In high school he was the stereotypical jock who played Varsity football. Now a student at Full Sail University, he has learned to overcome his past mistakes. To symbolize this, Maxfield wears a "promise ring" every day to remind himself of where he has been and to treat women with the same respect he desires to one day treat his wife. His motivation for competing on "The Glee Project" is to win the respect of a girl he loved and lost. Maxfield originally auditioned for "The Glee Project" at the Nashville open casting call.

Mario Age: 24 Hometown: Lanham, MD Mario (Arnauz), a singer/song writer, has been performing in school concerts, gospel and chamber choirs, and at Washington DC area churches for nine years. He was born with Morning Glory Syndrome, which ultimately caused him to go totally blind at the age of nine. Despite his disability, he can also dance, act, and play the piano, guitar and drums. When Mario, a triplet, was an infant, his mother passed away. With his father out of the picture, his grandmother took him and his siblings in. Mario attended several different schools, due to moving around a lot, and at each school he attended he did everything he could to assimilate with sighted students. He believes music has healing powers, and his love for the performing arts sustained him through the tough times. Mario does motivational speaking, comedy, impersonations and is a voice-over artist. He dreams of publishing his autobiography and landing a recording contract. Mario originally auditioned for "The Glee Project" online and at the New York City open casting call.

Blake Age: 19 Hometown: Miami, FL Blake recently moved to Los Angeles from Florida. He drums and juggles, but his passion is acting. Blake has studied acting and improvisation since he was a child. Upon arriving in LA, he worked a few odd jobs in his pursuit of becoming a professional actor. He loves to sing, but has never had a lesson. When he is not performing, Blake works as a parrot salesman. He has received some rejection during his time in Los Angeles, but continues to forge ahead because of the love he has for his craft. Blake was discovered through industry channels to audition for "The Glee Project."

Charlie Age: 22 Hometown: Chicago, IL Charlie is an actor and a singer. He has been performing for 15 years and earned his BFA in acting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He once performed in an alley in Vienna, Austria, which was part of his senior year choir tour through Europe. Charlie is a person with severe ADHD and low-spectral autism. Although life has often been a social struggle for him, he feels that he would not be where he is today without the support of his "team of superheroes" - the friends and family that constantly provide love and encouragement. Charlie originally auditioned for "The Glee Project" at the New York City open casting call.

Abraham Age: 24 Hometown: Queens, New York/San Diego, CA Abraham, a true newbie to the performance world, indefinitely postponed his admission into law school to pursue his dreams of taking on the entertainment industry by storm. Oftentimes, he finds himself relating better to women and believes that it is due to the absence of a father-figure in his life. When not performing, Abraham works as a legal aid and a bartender in San Diego. Although he has only been performing for a year, his most rewarding performance was on the streets of San Diego when he played for homeless people. With lots of hard work, determination, and a bit of sass, Abraham was discovered for "The Glee Project" through an online video submission.

BOUNCE (VH1, New!) - Taylour Paige, Dean Cain, Kimberly Elise, Valery Ortiz and Katherine Bailess are set to star in a new drama pilot at the cable channel set in the world of professional basketball dancers. Writer James LaRosa and director by Sanaa Hamri are behind the project, which will track Ahsha (Paige), "a sheltered young woman who joins the squad against the wishes of her mother Sloane (Elise), who knows this treacherous, tempting world all too well having been a dancer herself." Cain then is set as the coach of the basketball team with Ortiz and Bailess as two of the dancers, single mother Raquel and former stripper Kyle. LaRosa will executive produce alongside Maggie Malina and VH1's Jill Holmes and Jeff Olde. (Deadline.com)

FRIEND ME (CBS) - Christopher Mintz-Plasse ("Superbad") has booked a lead role on the comedy pilot, about best pals Rob and Evan who have just moved to L.A. from Indiana to start new jobs at Groupon. He'll play the latter of said duo, who is cynical and way, way less open to change than the enthusiastic Rob (Nicholas Braun), who's always ready for the next adventure. Dan Ahdoot, Parvesh Cheena and Tim Robinson co-star in the project, from CBS Television Studios, director Pamela Fryman and co-creators Ajay Sahgal and Alan Kirschenbaum. (Deadline.com)

HEMLOCK GROVE (Netflix) - Landon Liboiron ("Terra Nova") has joined the cast of the upcoming drama, "a gripping tale of murder, mystery and monsters set in a ravaged Pennsylvania steel town." He'll play Peter, a 17-year-old Gypsy kid from the wrong side of the tracks, who tells his classmates he's a werewolf. Famke Janssen and Bill Skarsgard also star in the Gaumont International Television-produced project, from director Eli Roth and writer Brian McGreevy. (THR.com)

Ricky Gervais has explained how Derek contrasts from his previous sitcoms.

The 50-year-old comedian said that his character Derek Noakes in the new Channel 4 comedy is more self-aware than his Office alter ego David Brent.

"The difference is that there's no real veil of irony and people are saying exactly what they mean, however crazy that is," he told TV & Satellite Week magazine

"The talking heads in The Office were in juxtaposition to what you actually saw them do. So there was a certain irony to David Brent saying, 'They love me out there'.

"Derek is self-aware because he's just honest. He says what's on his mind. He's better than us. He's lovely and he's kind. Whatever he thinks and does is the nice way to go, whether that's right or wrong."

Gervais, who penned and directed the upcoming pilot without writing partner Stephen Merchant, hopes the level of raw emotion in the piece will strike a chord with viewers.

"Real life is like that. It's a comedy-drama, but then everything that's real and done with a bit of compassion is," the star continued. "I like getting close to real emotions. I've never been scared of that.

"It's just that people don't expect that sometimes when they've been having a laugh. An old people's home is already quite a melancholy place. Someone dies and Derek has to deal with it."

Explaining why he pursued the project, Gervais added: "It's an antidote to fame. I just want to do something about normal people again. It's time to do that, and it seems like recession is the norm now, like the 1980s was a blip."

Channel 4 airs Derek, which also stars Karl Pilkington, on Thursday, April 12 at 10pm.

This May, the second annual "The Comedy Awards," the annual event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the world of comedy, will air on Sunday, May 6. Daniel Tosh and his razor-sharp wit and biting commentary return to the network when new episodes of "Tosh.0" begin on Tuesday, May 29, followed by the third season premiere of "Workaholics." Also in May, COMEDY CENTRAL is standing up for comedy with the premiere of the brand-new stand-up series "The Half Hour" on Friday, May 11, along with all-new one-hour stand-up specials from Tracy Morgan ("Tracy Morgan: Black and Blue"), Hannibal Buress ("Hannibal Buress: Animal Furnace") and Reggie Watts ("Reggie Watts: A LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK"). In addition, check out all-new episodes of the "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report."

SERIES

"The Half Hour" (Series Premiere)

Friday, May 11 at 11:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. ET/PT

COMEDY CENTRAL is shining the spotlight on some of the funniest and most unique comedians out there today with the premiere of "The Half Hour." The new stand-up series was filmed at Royale in Boston in front of a live audience and features comedians Neal Brennan, Na'im Lynn, Joe Mande, David O'Doherty, Garfunkel & Oates (Kate Micucci & Riki Lindholm), Michael Palascak, Jesse Popp, Rory Scovel, Maronzio Vance, Nick Vatterott, Theo Von and Brendon Walsh debuting their first solo COMEDY CENTRAL specials every Friday night at 11:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

"Tosh.0" (New Episodes Begin)

Tuesday, May 29 from 10:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Daniel Tosh is back to break down that vast field of twarties, vlogs, hashtags, and deluded YouTube sensations for your viewing pleasure. Tune in to catch Tosh's takes on the online Universe when "Tosh.0" begins airing new episodes on Tuesday, May 29 at 10:00 p.m.

"Workaholics" (Season Three Premiere)

Tuesday, May 29 at 10:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. ET/PT

Adam, Blake and Anders are back at work in a third season of the hit series "Workaholics." Dress codes, deadlines and waking up before noon are not things these guys are used to. They do their jobs and sometimes they even do them well, but they show up late, leave drunk and always live for the day...even if they don't know what day it is. Best friends who work together from 9 to 5 and live together from 5 to 9, the gang is back to tackle their work/life balance in a new season of "Workaholics." Grab the bear coat and chug a beer - the third season debuts Tuesday, May 29, at 10:30 p.m.

SPECIALS

"The Comedy Awards" (Second Annual)

Sunday, May 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT

"The Comedy Awards," now in its second year, is dedicated to celebrating the art of comedy with an historic, one-night-only celebration honoring the most talented writers, directors, actors and stand-ups, who provided the laugh track to our lives this past year. The ceremony will take place at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, April 28 and premieres on COMEDY CENTRAL on Sunday, May 6. "Modern Family," "Bridesmaids," "30 Rock," "Crazy, Stupid, Love." and Louis C.K. lead the nominations for 2012 and fans can vote for "Breakout Performer of the Year." Robin Williams is this year's recipient of the prestigious "Stand-Up Icon" award and Don Rickles will be honored with the "Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence," both of which will be presented during this year's ceremony. A full list of nominees for the 2012 "Comedy Awards" can be found at www.thecomedyawards.com. Click here to view a highlight reel from last year's show. Follow "The Comedy Awards" on Twitter @TheComedyAwards.

"Reggie Watts: A LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK" (World Premiere)

Friday, May 11 from 1:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. ET/PT

Reggie Watts is a musician, comedian, and performance artist all rolled up in one. See his original take on comedy when he performs live in Central Park with new performance pieces and songs.

"Tracy Morgan: Black and Blue" (Network Television Premiere)

Sunday, May 13 from 10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. ET/PT

In the network television premiere of his outrageous new stand-up special, Tracy Morgan isn't afraid to get dirty as he takes on diabetes, cocaine, national security, and dealing with women's attitudes in the bedroom.

With his laid-back swagger and unexpected point of view, Hannibal Buress finds truth and absurdity in everything he sees. In his first hour-long stand-up special, Buress lets us into his offbeat world where the Holy Ghost is a hot new dance style and you can never have too much apple juice. Catch "Animal Furnace" and see why Hannibal Buress is one of the most exciting names in contemporary stand-up.

STUNTS

"The Comedy Awards" Playlist

Friday, May 4 from 9:00 p.m. - Midnight ET/PT

Get warmed up for "The Comedy Awards" on Sunday, May 6, with "The Comedy Awards" Playlist: a night of specials featuring nominees, past winners, and general hilarity.

"Tosh.0" Rewind (working title)

Sunday, May 27 from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. ET/PT

Get ready for all-new episodes of "Tosh.0" by catching up with eight episodes from season four. Play "Is it Racist?," meet European men, and tackle bullying to get ready for all-new episodes on Tuesday, May 29 at 10:00 p.m.

It's a full day of "South Park" this Memorial Day Weekend - go to sleep with the boys, wake up with them, or just stay up all night! Binge on "South Park" like never before.

Back to Work

Monday, May 28 from 11:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. ET/PT

Spend this Memorial Day getting ready to go back to work with three guys who are just as motivated about it as you are. Join Adam, Anders and Blake for six back-to-back episodes of pranks at the office and hijinks back home.

MOVIES

"I Spy" (COMEDY CENTRAL Premiere)

Saturday, May 5 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET/PT

Starring Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson. When the most sophisticated prototype stealth fighter ever created is stolen from the U.S. government, it is up to one of the top U.S. agency spies and a professional athlete to hunt it down and return it home.

The Vampire Diaries rose to 407k (1.7%) on ITV2, while Alcatraz also improved, averaging 459k (2%) in the same 9pm hour on Watch.

On the terrestrials, The Syndicate dominated for BBC One with 5.44m (23.1%). Smugglers could only respond with 2.9m (12.3%) on ITV1 (+1: 370k/2.1%), with a celebrity special of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? taking 2.54m (11%) earlier (+1: 127k/0.5%).

Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy and Bill Engvall are about to get animated for CMT.

The Blue Collar Comedy trio will voice and executive-produce CMT's first animated project, "Bounty Hunters," the network announced at its upfront presentation in new York on Wednesday.

The series, which will also feature voice work from comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, is "a hilarious tale about three friends and their two-bit bounty hunting business." Muse Entertainment and Parallel Entertainment are producing.

"Bounty Hunters" will premiere in 2013.

CMT also announced that it will air "Trinity 911," a 10-episode "workplace docu-comedy" that follows the police force in a small Texas town. Endemol USA is producing the series, which will begin its 10-episode season later this year.

The cast members of the show -- which ran from 1998 to 2006 on Fox -- will "remember their earliest break into stardom and growing up on set," according to Fox.

Also getting back together for the anniversary spectacular: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, from Fox's early '90s sketch comedy "In Living Color." The comedically inclined Wayans brothers will "come together to share stories about their funniest sketches on 'In Living Color,'" Fox said.

In addition to the reunion, Fox is reviving "In Living Color" in the form of two half-hour specials.

As previously reported, cast members from former Fox series "Married With Children," "The X-Files" and "Beverly Hills, 90210" are also reuniting for the two-hour special.

The comedy website, which has previously taken on Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad and Battlestar Galactica, chose to pay tribute to the sci-fi show by replicating many of the events in the Matt Smith era in 16-bit form.

References include David Tennant's tenth doctor regenerating into Smith, the Doctor's first encounter with Amy Pond, the Weeping Angels, River Song revealing her identity and the 'Impossible Astronaut'.

Planet Green, which focused on eco-friendly living, is being re-branded as "Destination America," effective Memorial Day weekend.

Also read: Amazon, Discovery Communications Sign Streaming Pact

Targeting the 25-54 demographic, Destination America will be available in 59.5 million homes.

“Americans may be divided by politics, but we are united by our love of country,” Henry Schleiff, the new channel's president and general manager, said. “As a network inclusive to all, Destination America will celebrate this connective spirit by curating the common ground among us: the pluck of the worn saddle, the promise of exploring new territory, and the diversity that has made this nation great.”

Initial offerings from Destination America will include "BBQ Pitmasters" (premiering June 3), a barbecue competition series that will feature contestants facing off "in the ultimate BBQ showdown"; "Super-Duper Thrill Rides" (premiering June 16), which will examine "the coolest and most extreme roller coasters"; and "Cheating Las Vegas" (premiering July 14), which will delve into "the most fascinating and elaborate scams of modern casino gaming."

The move from Planet Green to Destination America marks the latest in a series of re-brandings for Discovery Communications, including Discovery Health's shift to OWN and Discovery HD Theater's evolution from HD Theater and eventually Velocity. Planet Green itself occupies the channel space previously held by Discovery Home and Leisure and, later, Discovery Home.

There are a lot of limo drivers who’d say no to their luxurious leather interior stinking like a barn at the end of a ride, but not me. My limo is like America – a melting pot. Hey, when you say bring me your tired, your poor and your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, don’t leave out the Hollywood community.

My client was on iChat video almost the whole ride from Arcadia down to Beverly Hills. No idea who he was talking to. But it sounded like there was a room full of people on the other end of the line cheering and hollering when he called to deliver his news. My client was pumping his fist and yelling, “We did it! We did it!”

As a matter of professional principle, I don’t listen in to whatever the people in my backseat are discussing. But all the jubilation got me curious.

He told me he worked for HBO. I told him that "Entourage" used to be every limo driver’s favorite, all-time series. But we’re usually on the road and working when the shows air. Thanks to Video on Demand, we don’t have to miss an episode of anything. I told the client my favorite new show was "Luck."

“That’s too bad,” he said. “'Luck' has been canceled.”

I told him I hadn’t heard that bit of bad news. He said that it hadn’t been announced yet, but that I’d hear about it the next day.

I dropped him off at HBO. That’s when I noticed he’d left something behind.

It was rolled up in one of those soft turquoise blue Tiffany wrapping bags so I figured it was pretty valuable. I grabbed it and ran after him.

I tapped him on the shoulder and held out the Tiffany bundle, saying, “You forgot this, mister.”

I expected a thank you, but he looked at it like I was pointing a gun at him.

He swiped my hand aside, knocking the Tiffany wrapping to the ground. Out rolled a gigantic hypodermic needle. The biggest one I ever saw. We stood there frozen for a second. Then he put his hand over his eyes and started shaking.

“I love horses. When they told me to sneak onto the track…I didn’t want to kill it. But we were bleeding money, don’t you see? Hoffman…Mann…Milch…Farina….Nolte. D’you know the cost? And no viewers? It was sick. It had no future. I did a mercy killing, I tell you.